### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **dapanáō**, represented by `{{G1159}}`, means to expend. It is used in scripture in both a good sense, to incur a cost for a specific purpose, and in a bad sense, to waste or consume. This term appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses**, illustrating the different motivations and outcomes associated with spending one's resources.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G1159}}` captures a spectrum of expenditure. In a negative context, it describes wasting resources on selfish desires, as when believers ask God for things to "consume it upon" their lusts [[James 4:3]]. It also depicts the prodigal son who "had spent all" and consequently fell into a state of want [[Luke 15:14]]. A more neutral, though still negative, use is found in the account of the woman who "had spent all that she had" on physicians to no benefit [[Mark 5:26]]. In contrast, a positive application is seen when Paul is instructed to "be at charges with them" to cover the costs of a purification vow, a purposeful religious expense [[Acts 21:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and consequences of the act of spending:
* `{{G1550}}` **ekdapanáō** (to expend (wholly), i.e. (figuratively) exhaust): This word is used alongside `{{G1159}}` in [[2 Corinthians 12:15]], where Paul declares he will gladly "spend and be spent," intensifying the idea of a complete and willing expenditure for others.
* `{{G2237}}` **hēdonḗ** (sensual delight; by implication, desire): This term reveals the motivation behind the wasteful spending in [[James 4:3]], where resources are consumed upon selfish "lusts" or pleasures.
* `{{G5302}}` **hysteréō** (to fall short (be deficient)... be in want): This word describes the direct consequence of the prodigal son's reckless spending, as he began "to be in want" after consuming all he had [[Luke 15:14]].
* `{{G2395}}` **iatrós** (a physician): This identifies the recipients of the woman's futile spending in [[Mark 5:26]], where she gave all her resources to many "physicians" but was not healed.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1159}}` lies in its focus on stewardship and motive. The use of one's resources is presented as a moral and spiritual issue.
* **Selfish Consumption:** The act of spending becomes sinful when its purpose is to satisfy selfish "lusts," which results in unanswered prayer and spiritual barrenness [[James 4:3]]. The story of the prodigal son further illustrates that wasting resources leads to destitution [[Luke 15:14]].
* **Sacrificial Giving:** In stark contrast, Paul presents the ideal form of expenditure as a joyful and complete giving of oneself for the benefit of others. He is willing to "very gladly spend and be spent" for the Corinthian believers [[2 Corinthians 12:15]].
* **Purposeful Expenditure:** Spending resources can also be a righteous act when directed toward fulfilling religious or community obligations, such as when paying the charges for men undertaking a vow [[Acts 21:24]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1159}}` is a versatile word whose meaning is defined by the intent behind the action. It moves beyond a simple financial transaction to become a marker of character. Whether resources are wasted on fleeting pleasures, spent in a futile search for help, or sacrificially given for the good of others, the term highlights the critical importance of how believers expend what they have been given.
TRV